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Ready to spend an epic 3 days in Athens? Well, you will be after reading this blog post!
Athens is a city where ancient history meets vibrant modern life. It’s a truly unforgettable destination, and we just can’t stay away! But the first time we visited, I definitely remember wondering how on Earth we were going to cover it all in just a few days.
Fortunately, you don’t need to worry about that because after multiple visits to Athens, we’ve planned out the perfect itinerary. This is our tried and tested way to ensure you see the best of everything in just a few days. Stay tuned to make the most of every moment!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE activity was this Athens highlights tour. We saw the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Acropolis Museum in one go. The main advantage was we could book skip-the-line tickets as these are top attractions with crazy long lines!
Day 1
Breakfast – Coffee Joint
Just a 5-minute walk from the meeting point for this morning’s tour, Coffee Joint is a cozy, family-run cafe with the friendliest owners ever! They even gave us free cookies before we ordered our breakfast. The omelets here are simple yet delicious, but if you’re feeling indulgent then we loved the sweet, cinnamon-dusted pastries. In fact, we’d eat them every day if we could!
Morning – Visit the Acropolis, Parthenon, museum, and more
As Europe’s oldest capital city, Athens is filled to the brim with interesting history, so check it out on this half-day tour. Book this tour for either 8 or 9 am to ensure that you get the most out of today. We promise it will be worth the early start!
For those who don’t know, the Acropolis is a large archaeological complex consisting of several important ancient buildings and temples. The most famous is the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. This ancient site sits on a hill overlooking Athens and is the city’s most notable landmark. We loved exploring it in depth and saw all of the main features, including the Propylaea and the Erechtheion.
We also got to explore the Acropolis Museum, which is home to thousands of artifacts, sculptures, and remnants from the ancient Acropolis. This gave us a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Greeks but also helped us to understand modern Greek culture better.
Another reason why this tour is really worth doing is because there’s an option to book skip-the-line tickets. As Athens’ top attractions, the lines to get into the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum can get out of control. We were so happy to breeze past the long lines and just go right in. Otherwise, we would have wasted hours!
If you prefer, there’s also the option to upgrade to a private tour. But no matter which option you choose, this is an activity that deserves a spot on everyone’s Athens itinerary (just look at the hundreds of awesome reviews here)!
Book your Acropolis tour here, with FREE cancellation!
Related Read: For more of our all-time favorite experiences in the city, check out our top 10 best activities in Athens!
Lunch – Traditional Food Diodos
The tour ends outside the Acropolis Museum, and then today’s lunch spot is a scenic 15-20 minute walk from there. Enjoy the views along the way, and then dig into a well-earned lunch at one of our favorite restaurants in Athens, Traditional Food Diodos!
I’ll be honest: we first visited this place because it looked pretty and offered great views of the Acropolis. However, it’s the food that has kept us coming back! If you’re a seafood lover, then I can’t recommend the fresh seafood platter enough, or the vegetarian spread is huge and full of flavor. Just be sure to arrive hungry because the portions are huge.
Afternoon – Explore on your own
Athen’s historic center is packed with fascinating sights, so we recommend taking the afternoon to wander through it all at your leisure. However, there are two standout spots that we just have to mention:
The Roman Forum of Athens (Roman Agora)
The Roman Forum was once the commercial heart of Athens, and its ruins tell the stories of the city’s Roman era. We love strolling through the remnants of the grand columns. Entry costs €8 during the summer and €4 during the winter months, and you’ll need 1-1.5 hours to see it all.
Kerameikos Cemetery
This ancient cemetery is often overlooked by tourists, but we think it’s a total must-visit! There are at least a thousand tombstones here, some of which are thought to date back almost 3,000 years. It’s the perfect spot for quiet reflection as you stroll through the wildflowers and ancient graves. Tickets cost €4 during winter and €8 during summer.
Sunset – Rooftop drinks near Monastiraki Square
Monastiraki Square just oozes charm, so it’s the perfect place to wind down after a day of exploring. Take a stroll through its bustling streets and soak in the lively atmosphere, then head up to a rooftop bar to watch the sunset over the Acropolis and the historic city center. There are tons of great choices here, so just pick whichever spot tickles your fancy!
Dinner – Efcharis Restaurant
We love this lively, family-run restaurant because it always has such a fun and festive atmosphere. Well, that and the fact that it serves delicious homestyle Greek dishes at very reasonable prices. We can’t get enough of the baked moussaka and the stuffed vine leaves, not to mention their excellent house wines. The service is exceptional, too, as the staff treat you like family.
Related Read: Heading to Santorini next? Check out our 3-day Santorini itinerary here. It covers the perfect mix of iconic sights, hidden gems, and local experiences to enjoy!
Day 2
Breakfast – Find a local spot
Before heading to Lycabettus Hill this morning, we suggest that you take a moment to grab breakfast at a local spot near your hotel. One of our favorite things about Athens is that it’s full of charming, family-owned cafes where you can start your day with a strong coffee and a healthy dose of that famous Greek hospitality!
Morning – Go to the top of Lycabettus Hill
Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in central Athens, so you can’t miss the chance to get up here and enjoy those magnificent 360° views. After breakfast, you can either catch a taxi to the base of the hill or take the metro to Evangelismos. The station is about a 10-minute walk from the cable car.
The cable car is the most popular way to get to the top of the hill. It opens at 9 am and the ride only takes about 3 minutes. Round-trip tickets cost €10 or if you decide to hike up or down the hill, you can get a one-way ticket for €7.
Speaking of the hike, it takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour to hike up Lycabettus Hill. It’s a pretty easy walk at first, but eventually, you’ll come to some zigzagging stairs. Our legs were certainly tired by the time we got to the top, so we rewarded ourselves with a coffee at the beautiful terraced restaurant. All in all, allow about 2-2.5 hours for Lycabettus Hill.
Mid-morning- Changing of the Guards and the National Garden
After you’ve taken in the views from Lycabettus Hill, head down towards Syntagma Square. You can either walk, which takes around 15 minutes or ride the M3 Metro Line from Evangelismos to Syntagma.
Once you arrive, make sure to catch the Changing of the Guards, which happens every hour, on the hour. It’s the perfect chance to watch Greek tradition in action. We found it super exciting to watch the Evzones in their unique uniforms!
While you’re here, don’t forget to check out the Monument to the Unknown Soldier and take a leisurely stroll through the National Gardens. They’re so lush and green that it’s hard to remember that you’re in the middle of a capital city. Take your time to enjoy the shady park paths and don’t forget to feed the ducks!
Lunch – Souvlaki Kostas
Eating Souvlaki is a MUST when in Athens, and Souvlaki Kostas is one of the city’s best-loved street food spots. You’ll be able to spot this place easily because there’s always a line outside but trust us, it’s worth it to queue. The pita is soft and warm, the meat is juicy and flavorful, and the portions are generous. Oh, and it’s super affordable too, at €3.50 – €3.80 for a souvlaki!
Afternoon – See more ancient sights
After a hearty souvlaki lunch, it’s time for some more independent sightseeing. All of these fascinating historical sites are within walking distance of each other, so you can easily explore them all in one afternoon.
Temple of Zeus
The Temple of Zeus is one of Greece’s largest ancient temples – talk about a must-see! Its ruins make it easy to imagine the majestic building that once stood here, and the towering columns that remain are incredibly impressive, especially when framed against the bright blue sky on a sunny day. Entry costs €8, which we thought was well worth it.
Hadrian’s Gate
Hadrian’s Gate is a triumphal Roman arch that marks the boundary between the ancient and Roman parts of Athens. It’s a quick stop, but we think its historical significance makes it well worth checking out as you walk through Athens.
Panathenaic Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium was originally built in the 4th century BC and was later reconstructed for the 1896 Olympics, which was the first iteration of the modern games. Not only is it super historic, it’s also the only stadium in the world made entirely of marble. As far as we’re concerned, this is an unmissable Athens attraction! Entry costs €10.
Evening – Sunset tour to Temple of Poseidon
We’ve got something really special planned this evening: sunset at the legendary Temple of Poseidon! I’m not kidding when I say that this tour gave me chills!
The Temple of Poseidon is in Cape Sounion, which is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Athens. Make sure to book the sunset option of the tour and not the morning version.
The tour includes pickup between 2:30 and 4 pm, depending on the time of year. You’ll be picked up from your hotel if you’re staying in central Athens and if not, you’ll be assigned a meeting point near a metro station. Easy peasy!
After pickup, we enjoyed the scenic drive out of Athens along the Saronic Gulf. If you’re going between May 1 and October 31, remember to bring your bathing suit as there’s also a stop at Sounio Beach.
But the real highlight of this tour is visiting the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion. This ancient temple was dedicated to the god of the sea and sits atop a 60-meter/197-foot cliff offering stunning panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
In fact, the Temple of Poseidon is considered one of the best sunset spots in all of Greece, and after having seen it for ourselves, we wholeheartedly agree. No wonder this tour has over 2,000 5-star reviews! Just make sure you book your spot on the sunset outing in advance as it’s a very popular activity!
Book your Temple of Poseidon tour here, before it sells out!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Day 3
Option 1: Stay in the city
Morning – Eat all the Greek food on a walking food tour
Ok, I don’t know about you, but Greek food is one of my favorite types of cuisine. So when I first visited Athens I couldn’t wait to go on this popular gourmet food tour!
We love food tours because they are such a great way to get to know the city better and discover some of the best foodie hotspots (most of which we would never find on our own!).
You can book this popular food tour for 9:30 am or 10 am. It starts in Monastiraki Square, which is very central and easy to get to on the Metro, as lines 1 and 3 stop here.
Guided by a local, you will walk down the streets of Athens stopping by some great cafes, markets, restaurants, and even street food stalls. Get ready to sample a variety of authentic Greek food including Greek bread and gyros (my personal favorite!).
In fact, we sampled around 12 different food items during this 3.5-hour tour, so make sure you come hungry! The tour also included some wine and coffee samples to wash down the food with, which was a nice touch.
We love that this is a small group tour with a maximum of only 12 people, so things never felt too crowded. And if you want an even more personalized experience you can opt for a private tour instead for an extra cost.
This tour runs every day except Sundays and is very popular with over 3,200 5-star reviews (see them here!), so make sure you book in advance!
Book this authentic food tour here, before it sells out!
Afternoon – Visit the National Archaeological Museum
It’s a 25-minute walk from where the food tour ends to the National Archaeological Museum or a 5-minute ride on the M1 metro from Biktoria to Monastiraki. But however you get there, Athens’ National Archaeological Museum is a must-visit for anyone fascinated by ancient Greek history and culture.
Entry costs €12 during high season or €6 during low season, and it’s a good idea to book tickets in advance.
This is one of the largest museums in Greece and it’s home to an incredible collection of artifacts, including statues, pottery, and jewelry from ancient civilizations. We were super excited to see the famous Mask of Agamemnon, which has been dubbed “the Mona Lisa of prehistory.” We were also fascinated by the Antikythera Mechanism, which is the earliest known analog computer. Despite a ton of research surrounding this ancient machine, it’s still shrouded in mystery and has sparked many debates.
The museum is located in the vibrant Exarchia neighborhood, so once you’ve checked out the artifacts, be sure to take some time to explore the area. We love its lively streets, bohemian atmosphere, and cute little cafes and shops. Exarchia is also famous for its street art, much of which has a strong political message.
Evening – Bike tour of the city
After exploring Exarchia, burn all of that energy from this morning’s foodie adventure with this top-rated bike tour! We recommend booking this tour for 5 pm so that it’s not too hot.
You can also upgrade to an e-bike if you’d like to make pedaling easier. The ride is on relatively flat ground, but let’s be honest, e-bikes make things more fun!
We love this tour because in just 2.5 hours, you’ll see some of Athens’ most iconic landmarks and local hidden gems. When you’re only in the city for a few days, a tour like this is the perfect way to ensure that you hit all of the “can’t-miss” spots.
Some of our favorite stops on this tour included the National Observatory of Athens, where we enjoyed breathtaking views of the city from above. We also visited the Metropolitan Cathedral, which is the city’s largest Orthodox Church, and admired the Zappeion, which is arguably the world’s most beautiful conference hall.
We had such a blast on this tour and it really helped us to get the most out of Athens. Cruising around by bike is a wonderful way to see the city, and I think that the 2,400+ people who left 5-star reviews would agree with me!
Grab your spot on this cycling tour here!
Dinner – Plaka neighborhood
Plaka is a stunning neighborhood that feels like a quaint little village, except it sits in the shadow of the magnificent Acropolis! And not only is this pastel-colored area super picturesque, but it’s also home to many of Athens’ best restaurants, from street food spots to nice sit-down places.
We love Geros Tou Moria Restaurant. It’s a cozy Greek tavern that serves amazing seafood and it has a nice outdoor area that’s perfect for dining al fresco during the summer.
Option 2: Full-day cruise to Agistri, Moni, Aegina
The second option for your third day in Athens is to enjoy this full-day sailing cruise! It always sells out, though, so if island hopping in Greece is your idea of a good time, then take advantage of the free cancellation policy and snag your spot ASAP.
Athens has over 3,000 islands nearby, making it the perfect starting point to do some serious island exploring. On this day trip, you will head out of the busy city to visit the gorgeous Saronic Islands on a Greek sailing ship. And don’t worry about food, either, because you’ll get pastries in the morning and a super generous buffet lunch on board.
The first stop was Agistri, where we had an hour and a half to explore the villages or relax on the beach. There is an optional bike tour here, which allows you to explore even more of the island. We did it on our tour and highly recommend it. We saw beautiful temples and even some wild peacocks!
We then headed to Moni Island, where we had a delicious Mediterranean lunch onboard and enjoyed some time in the water. The final stop is the island Aegina, which is the most beautiful of all in my opinion. We had the best time here relaxing on the beach and snorkeling in the crystal-clear water. Just make sure you learn from my mistakes and bring lots of sunscreen!
Honestly, the entire day was such a blast! The crew kept the vibes high all day with fantastic music and a constant flow of beer and wine. This is truly the perfect way to spend your last day in Athens, and I’m not the only one who thinks so – just look at these thousands of 5-star reviews!
Book this epic island hopping tour here, before it sells out!
Related Read: Ready for a Greek island getaway now? Our guide to Mykonos, Greece has you covered!
Where to Stay in Athens
With only 3 days in the city, you want to make sure you have a great place to stay in Athens. There are a ton of different areas, but I was keen on being close to the historic sights! Plus, when there are dozens of hotels with views of the Acropolis from your room, how could you pass that up?
Below, I’ve listed three awesome accommodation options for every budget so you can have a comfortable stay in Athens.
Luxury – $$$
If you’re looking for a luxury stay, Electra Metropolis is the best option. Located in central Athens, you’re meters from the top city and historic sights. The hotel provides the finest quality, from the rooftop infinity pool, to its atrium, or fresh food restaurants. You can expect the same high-class luxuries in the rooms, whether you have a classic double room or an Acropolis view suite.
Standard rooms get as low as €250, but high-end suites can reach €700+. Check availability and reserve this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
You don’t have to break the bank to get stunning views from your bed! The Elia Ermou Athens Hotel is a moderately priced option with modern and comfortable rooms, and a fantastic location. You can see the famous Acropolis from some rooms and from the restaurant, and you’re within walking distance to all of Athens main attractions.
Room prices range from about €160 to €400 and can be booked on Booking.com.
Budget – $
The Athens Connection Apartments are fully furnished apartments, less than a kilometer from the city center! These apartments are only €50 – €80 per night, which is a fantastic price for the quality. Featuring full kitchens, balconies, and modern design, this is a good option for those with a budget but don’t necessarily want the rowdy hostel vibes.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
For more options, check out all the hotels in Athens here!
Renting a Car in Europe
Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.
We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Europe
- Know the local rules: Most countries drive on the right, except the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. Road signs and driving laws can vary, so do a quick check before you go.
- Practice defensive driving: In parts of Europe, especially in the south, driving can feel fast-paced and a little unpredictable. Make sure you stay alert and keep a safe following distance.
- Insurance is essential: I highly recommend adding full coverage insurance to your rental. Whether it’s a parking lot ding or a chipped windshield on a mountain road, full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable through Discover Cars!
- Pick the right vehicle: Most rentals in Europe are manual, and automatic cars are limited, so book early if that’s what you need. A compact car is also ideal for narrow roads and tight parking. On Discover Cars, you can easily filter for everything you need.
- Watch for restricted zones: Many cities have low-emission or restricted traffic zones. Driving into these without a permit can result in fines, so always check local rules if you’re heading into a city center.
- Be prepared for border crossings: While crossing borders is usually easy within the Schengen Zone, some rental companies require you to declare your travel plans in advance. Always check with Discover Cars if you’re planning to drive into another country.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended—and in some countries, it’s legally required.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically needed for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, expect a young driver surcharge—and in some countries, the minimum age may be higher.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Europe on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
With so much to see, only having three days in Athens is a challenge, but we hope this itinerary helps! We followed this almost exactly on our last trip here and thought it covered all the highlights and hit our favorite local spots. I think you’ll love Athens as much as we do!
Before you book your plane tickets, check out our other Greece blogs! From tour recommendations to travel guides on the best Greek islands, we can help you plan the trip of a lifetime. Here are a few extra blogs you might find useful!
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